|
Health Benefits of Diabetes Carbohydrates Diabetes is one of the common disorders that is characterized by high blood glucose levels which can occur due to the deficiency or inefficiency of insulin, a hormone which is involved in the utilization and storage of energy fuels in the body. It can occur in any age group even affecting the small children and adolescents though in lesser prevalence to the middle aged and older individuals. It is a disorder which occurs due to heredity, faulty diet, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. It is very essential to bring a change in dietary habits so that the individual can lead a healthy life.
As it is involved with the blood glucose level, it is very essential to understand the quantity and quality of carbohydrates. The form of carbohydrates as starch present in foods is broken to form glucose. Hence it is necessary to alter the type of carbohydrates in the diet. When the cut down of calories are done for the diabetics then:
Carbohydrates – 60 – 65% of the total calories, Protein- 15 – 20% of the total calories, Fat – 15 – 25% of the total calories.
Diabetics need not restrict the carbohydrate intake. An adequate intake of carbohydrates is recommended. Complex carbohydrates present in grains and pulses are better than the simple carbohydrates present in jams and jellies. This can improve the insulin sensitivity as well as the glucose tolerance. Thus generous supply of carbohydrate with high fiber diet has no adverse effect on blood glucose levels. Soluble fiber which is a form of carbohydrate is capable of inhibiting glucose absorption from the small intestines. Diets containing about 20g/day of fiber is capable of reducing total or bad cholesterol. Daily inclusion of fiber containing cereals, whole grain products, fruits, vegetables and legumes are useful.
|
